The multi-pronged effort has been underway since earlier this year, and has included the promotion of alternative modes of transportation — via the distribution of car-sharing memberships and free transit passes — as well as changes to parking meter rates and time limits downtown, south of the Cal campus and in the Elmwood district around College Avenue.

The pilot program aims to reduce pollution, congestion and drivers who are circling for a spot by using what’s known as demand-responsive pricing, which sets parking rates using on a supply-and-demand model. The most convenient spots tend to be the most expensive and are available for shorter amounts of time, while spots further away, which are in less demand, are cheaper and can be used for longer periods.

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